Match Report

After all that waiting and anticipating, the start of the football season has come by us again. No more hiding, no more friendly matches. This is the real deal; no-one can hide now.

In hindsight, I was slightly more ‘up for it’ at the start of last season, merely because it was the craved return to the big league. Nonetheless, the passion was inside and not even a heavy, albeit brief, downpour that forced me into one of Green Street’s many fast food restaurants could damper this enthusiasm.

The result was great, and a performance to match the three points occurred too. As long as the vigour and determination that was evident throughout last season is maintained, West Ham will be playing Premiership football again next season. However, thirty-seven games remain, and - God forbid - events could take a turn for the worse. Call me negative, but I’m not getting over confident at this very moment of time.

Charlton were very poor, and even their most fervent of supporters cannot deny that. Scott Carson in goal will be a real asset to them, as shown by two close-range saves from Bobby Zamora and Yossi Benayoun. The same can be said for Darren Bent; another season scoring goals looks destined for him. His penalty showed calmness and precision, but he could do little to get into the match following the foolish sending off of Djimi Traore. Having read Iain Dowie’s post- match remarks, it is clear that what he’s said to the press is bereft of certain truths. The first booking for his new signing was given after a lunging tackle, the second was rather naive. Admittedly biased, the Charlton defender deserved to go.

Whether or not Danny Gabbidon should have been sent off has been playing in my mind for a few hours. At the time, I thought Hasslebaink had sold Howard Webb a cheeky lie; the replays have proved this was not the case. Dowie claims that Gabbs was trying to stop a goalscoring opportunity, but I remain convinced this is not the case. The lack of solid reaction from the opposition fans in the away end aids to my current conclusion that the Hammers 05/06 Player of the Year deserved to stay on the pitch. A suspension/ban would have been a nightmare, as he did not have his most shining performance at Upton Park. Next to him, Anton Ferdinand put in a rather reassured showing – that England call up surely cannot be too far away.

I am feeling more confident over the right back position following the debuts of Tyrone Mears and John Paintsil, who played a friendly-esque half-each. The former is young, quick and looks good in the tackle, whilst the Ghanaian World Cup player looks the better of the two. His link-up-play with the midfield – something so frequent and impressive last season - shone through as he ploughed up and down the East of the Boleyn. When Yossi can finally return to his natural right hand side position in midfield, I think the team will look rather impressive going forward.

Lee Bowyer’s second debut in the claret and blue showed that he is not an out and out winger, but such a complaint is banal when considering his performance as a whole. On the surface, three assists is impressive, but his whole game looked good. His strength shone through, along with a clear footballing brain. Sometimes he was too clever for his fellow Irons, but partnerships will clearly flourish during the season. Last time he was at the club he wasn’t fully fit and his attitude was Defoe-like, but thus far I’ve got no complaints about the signing.

On the subject of the midfield, Mullins was his honest and steady self, but Nige really struggled to get into the match. Some people I know will never like Hayden, but his defensive qualities really stand up alongside a midfielder who can play the free role in the centre. I thought he might have been the one to give way for a Matty-Reo-Bowyer-Yossi midfield, but if I were the captain I’d recognise that a fight for a place may be on the cards. Nasty for the one who misses out, but great for teams who want to reach aspirations.

During the week I got told by mates that losing Ashton would hinder the team. I told them that, despite arguably being a slightly inferior player, last season showed that the team functioned better with Zamora and Harewood up top. The delight in Bobby’s face after scoring his two goals was there for all to see – he loves life at West Ham, and he’s going to fight for his place in the starting XI. With Carlton Cole added to the strikers, the battle has already begun. At least it looks clear that this team has goals in them.

Two away games now await, neither of which will be easy. Watford’s first game at home and Anfield – we all know the history about trips to Liverpool. Last year’s opening games yielded four points, six this year would be adequate. I’d sacrifice Watford to win in front of the Kop………….I think!